Peter Navarro Arrested on Contempt of Congress Charges
Peter Navarro, a former advisor to President Trump, was detained at a Washington, D.C. airport on Friday following an indictment by a federal grand jury. Navarro faces charges of contempt of Congress, becoming the second top advisor to the former president to be indicted, with Steve Bannon also awaiting a criminal trial this summer.
The indictment includes two counts of contempt: one for failing to provide requested documents and another for failing to appear for subpoenaed testimony before Congress.
The House January 6th Committee had demanded Navarro present “any communications with former President Trump and/or his counsel or representatives” related to January 6th and the days leading up to the Capitol attack. Navarro’s refusal to comply with the investigation and ignoring the subpoena led to his indictment.
The committee has also issued subpoenas to other Republican leaders in order to investigate their communications with the former president on January 6th. It remains uncertain whether these individuals will comply.
On May 1, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, along with House Republicans Jim Jordan, Scott Perry, Andy Biggs, and Mo Brooks, received subpoenas from the January 6th Committee. These congressmen had previously declined to cooperate with the committee’s requests regarding their involvement in President Trump’s efforts to remain in office. Rudy Giuliani, Trump’s former attorney, was also subpoenaed.
Committee members acknowledge that some of these individuals are unlikely to testify despite the subpoenas. As one member stated, “If we have continued violence waged against the Congress, the vice-president, the peaceful transfer of power, and members of Congress have information, they should come and testify voluntarily. If they don’t, all of us should come to expect [the subpoenas].”
